Launch from Cape Canaveral (KSC); landing on Edwards AFB.

Deploying of communications satellites MORELOS B (Mexico), AUSSAT-2 (Australia) and RCA SATCOM K-2 (USA).

Two EVAs performed by Ross and Spring on 29.11.1985 (5h 32m) and 01.12.1985 (6h 40m): It was a major demonstration of construction techniques to build structures in orbit, which was successfully accomplished. This construction techniques will be used in the future for EVA's from the International Space Station. This activities were filmed by an IMAX large film camera mounted in the cargo bay, obtaining some excellent coverage.

Rudolfo Neri Vela accomplished a series of experiments, primarily in human physiology. Charles Walker again operated the Continuous Flow Electrophoresis System, the third flight of this larger and improved equipment to produce commercial pharmaceutical products in microgravity. An experiment in Diffusive Mixing of Organic Solutions, or DMOS, was operated successfully for the 3M Company. The object is to grow single crystals in microgravity that are larger and more pure than any that can be grown on Earth.

The mission was shortened for one orbit, because of bad weather forecast in the landing area.